Plant Operations Technology Leader
Location: Jackson, TN (Onsite, M–F with flexibility; 10% travel to other plants)
Our client is embarking on a significant digital transformation journey, and Operational Technology (OT) is at the foundation of this evolution. We are seeking a Plant Operations Technology Leader to oversee IT and OT teams across multiple U.S. manufacturing locations, with a primary base at the company's largest plant in Jackson, TN. This is a high-visibility role for a hands-on leader with both technical expertise and a collaborative leadership style, responsible for driving OT initiatives, modernizing infrastructure, and enabling the company's transition into a digital-first enterprise.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead IT and OT operations across six plants, managing a growing team of engineers, specialists, and contractors (currently 6, expected to double).
- Partner with plant leadership, site directors, and IS teams to design, implement, and improve OT/IT infrastructure solutions in a manufacturing environment.
- Support and optimize plant systems including ServiceNow, SAP, MES platforms (Ignition, Tulip), and ARMS (automated transportation systems).
- Drive automation and IoT integration to support digital transformation initiatives and evolving operational excellence.
- Provide technical analysis, system monitoring, and troubleshooting to ensure uptime, performance, and business continuity.
- Champion proactive collaboration, communication, and initiative-taking across the organization.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Minimum 5 years of plant operations technology experience in manufacturing or industrial settings.
- Minimum 5 years of IT people management experience—proven track record as a hands-on leader.
- Strong background in infrastructure design and deployment.
- Practical experience with IoT, automation, ServiceNow, SAP, and Azure.
- Exposure to modern MES platforms (Ignition, Tulip) and ARMS is strongly preferred.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills—capable of thriving in a growing, evolving, and consensus-driven team culture.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Base salary: $150,000 – $169,000
- Target bonus: 15%
- Relocation assistance available
- Comprehensive benefits and PTO package
This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact at both the site and enterprise level, working at the forefront of a digital transformation that will shape the company's operations for years to come. For a motivated OT leader who thrives in complex environments and enjoys building and leading high-performing teams, this is a compelling career opportunity.